Have you noticed which, if any, inspirational sayings resonate with you more than others? Do you notice when someone suggests a quote to you that it either fits like a glove or just rubs you the wrong way? There are so many quotes that are meant to improve self-esteem or increase self-worth but do they really? When I began doing trauma therapy I bought Louise Hay cards because I liked the messages and thought they were beautiful. I still like them and appreciate the ideas but we don’t need to give them any more weight than a fortune cookie. Let’s keep it in perspective. When these, and other similar quotes are used as a prescription for improving ones life then that’s a good reason for alarm bells to be going off.
Have you ever heard the expression “the universe is telling you something?” No biologist, ecologist or scientist will say “the universe is telling you something.” Unless of course it’s about global warming, that’s it’s expertise. We can have belief systems and spirituality and it’s okay to look at patterns, history and complement this with value statements or inspirational messages but when people use pop-psychology to suggest you need to believe something it can be manipulative. Helping professionals have a great responsibility to be clear about their values and to tread carefully when making suggestions that could unintentionally disempower and isolate people.
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